What is the New Gadchiroli District Mining Authority?

Mumbai, June 3 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government has enacted an ordinance to establish the Gadchiroli District Mining Authority, consisting of 16 members and led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This initiative aims to accelerate mining approvals and promote the development of the Gadchiroli district, thereby benefiting the entire state.

The Authority will serve as a crucial facilitator for expediting the operationalization of sanctioned mining leases, which will create job opportunities and enhance state revenue.

The necessity for this ordinance arose as both houses of the state legislature are currently not in session. A bill will be presented in the upcoming monsoon session, commencing June 30.

This decision follows the state cabinet's approval for the formation of the Authority on April 1, coinciding with the Chief Minister's declaration in the legislature that Gadchiroli is set to become a prominent steel city, aiming to be naxal-free within three years.

The ordinance is officially titled the Gadchiroli District Mining Authority Ordinance, 2025. The Authority is tasked with overseeing the organized and rapid development of mineral-rich regions in Gadchiroli, executing plans, projects, and schemes for such developments.

The ordinance states, “The lack of an integrated administrative framework currently hinders the prompt execution of mining projects in Gadchiroli, which is rich in minerals like iron ore, hematite, magnetite, BHQ, limestone, dolomite, and coal. These resources serve as essential raw materials for various manufacturing sectors. Given its abundant iron ore, Gadchiroli has the potential to emerge as a hub for mineral-based industries, particularly in steel.”

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, along with its associated rules, governs the management and regulation of mines and minerals. Major mineral blocks are auctioned in accordance with the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015. It is mandatory for mining concession holders to secure various clearances and no-objection certificates from different departments and local authorities within specified timelines. Failure to comply results in the re-auctioning of allocated major mineral blocks.

Additionally, an executive committee has been constituted under the Chief Secretary's leadership to execute the Authority's decisions. This committee comprises 11 members, including the chairman, and will be responsible for implementing the Authority's directives.

For further inquiries, Sanjay Jog can be reached at sanjay.j@ians.in